After a year of more drama and happenings than Neighbours we are almost at our own special time of year. It almost didn't happen, but thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2003 is definitely on. The first Mardi Gras parade was in 1978 as an evening of celebration after a daytime protest rally. It ended in Kings Cross with police violence and arrests. We have come a long way in the 25 years since then, in Sydney, NSW, Australia and many parts of the world. We have lots of rights: it is much easier to live as a lesbian or gay man than it was in 1978. Some people are satisfied with this. But we are not yet equal. For instance we still do not have an equal age of consent in NSW. We need to take advantage of the parade being just three weeks before the NSW state election. Even though we are still discriminated against, our community still harbour a lot of discrimination: bisexuals, aboriginals, transexuals, asians, HIV positive, to name just a few. New Mardi Gras is promoting a policy of inclusion. We must learn to accept the variances and differences between the individuals within our communities. Mardi Gras is a time of both politics and celebration. And this season presents us with lots of opportunities to celebrate. The guide has just been launched, and it is chock full of things to do, see and enjoy. So lets get partying ....
25 years of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transexual & queer culture
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2003 #2 Mardi Gras Website

Had a quick scan through the festival guide... lots of interesting things to do and see!
JGT - Sat 25 Jan 2003 20:09:00

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countdownboy - back with avengence !! - Sat 25 Jan 2003 20:35:15

I don't think anyone on this board really cares. There have been next to no postings (apart from countdowns) on this board when other years this is the most packed board.

I would suggest that you take your concern to the party wall, but they're not really interested in gay politics/community since they believe everyone in the community should offer their services to MG for free but that DJs are the exception because they are gods and need to be paid huge sums of money.
- Sun 2 Feb 2003 11:02:31

I respect everyones personal opinion and right to protest ,but please do not try and push it against evryone 100%
- Sun 2 Feb 2003 22:26:00

I don't believe that Fair Day needs to turn itself into an anti-war demo.

The Iraq situation is an issue for everyone to make their own minds up about, regardless of sexuality. The range of views within the g&l community, on all the permutations, will be varied. I'm tired of "g&l" being used as cannon-fodder for every "smash the capitalist machine" trendoid cause.

Does NMG think that leaving Iraqis to endure Saddam's brutality ad infinitum is an appropriate g&l response?
- Mon 3 Feb 2003 11:45:22

That's why they invented the term "queer". ;)
- Mon 3 Feb 2003 12:08:24

Last year was the first time for the Lesbians Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Float to be put in the parade and the response that we had was fantastic, unfortunately this year our major sponsors from last year have chosen not to support us so I am hoping that there maybe some sponsors out there who will be able to assist us in inkind or sponorship. We are needing assistance with music, lights, truck, clothing and whatever assistance you are willing to give.
We are also scouting for people who are interested in participating in the parade, dancers, marchers, drag queens, dykes with bikes etc etc.

So if you are interested please feel free to contact me by e-mail
virginia.cross-boyd@vodafone.com.au
Gin - Mon 3 Feb 2003 15:49:38

From this we must conclude either:

a. Lesbians (or more accurately women) just aren't as interested in joining MG as a member (nor attending parties).

b. There aren't as many lesbians around as there are gay men (there is some scientific evidence to suggest that homosexuality occurs more frequently in the male population than the female).

or

c. That MG is doing something which puts off lesbians from joining the membership or coming along to the parties.

Mike's question isn't that uncommon. many others too (myself included) have asked the question. Why is it that we keep on thinking that it is option C that is true and not either A or B? for how long will we resist the thought that it is A or B that is the truth?

This is not a mysoginistic question. simply one of resources. why keep on doing something that'll cost us alot of money for no return ("celebration of the female voice" being a prime example)?

I don't particularly find the MG party to be anything I'm remotely interested in (hence my constant annoynance with countdown boys antics) - yet I don't see MG catering to the non-dance party boy by having a party consisting of live jazz performances. why? because there simply ain't enough people like me to justify such an expense.

I supported MG last year by buying two Sleaze tickets (that went unused) asking for nothing in return. I think that I/we are entitled to ask a question of the community in return.
jt - Mon 3 Feb 2003 17:53:14

Also, if you're not a persistant articulate woman, you have less chance of getting noticed at a MG meeting than a tall loud gay boy. I dunno why, but that's what happens. Not conducive to feeling included or putting in your two cents. In the case of another community organisation, we've had the instance of a clueless male making stupid comments about previous committe members (who happened to be female) and then wondering why female membership has dropped off. Well der! Next time, run it through someone with a bit of sense first.

I'm not fussed about what genders we have on the board of the new MG as long as the people doing the jobs listen and act equally.
Evil Twin - Mon 3 Feb 2003 21:55:01

And how can MG be doing things to piss lesbians off? Half the board is a lesbian so if they don't know what lesbians want (ie. celebration of the female voice that lost lots of money 2 years in a row) then we just have to accept that there aren't as many homosexual women around as there are homosexual men. And then plan accourdingly.
- Tue 4 Feb 2003 08:35:35

Hip Hip Hooray !!!
countdownboy - Tue 4 Feb 2003 09:24:58

Details are:
When: 6.00 - 9.30 pm.
Where: Hyde Park North
Cost: Free

Food and drink will be open for sale from 6.00 pm with DJs doing their best to get us in the mood.

From 7.30 the Official Launch will begin hosted by Bruce Meagher, featuring entertainment and speeches to set the tone for the 2003 Season to begin.

Entertainment will include:
a.. The first performance of the 2003 Mardi Gras Anthem Never Miss The Water featuring Gerry DeVaux, Robyn Loau, Shauna Jensen and Michal Nicholas.
b.. Trevor Ashley, star of the high camp parody Pop Princess
c.. Up and coming star in the charts, Hayley Aitkens performing to support the 2003 Mardi Gras Season.
More speakers and entertainers will be announced before the night.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Season Launch is an event that brings together all our tribes to celebrate the beginning of our time of year.

Come along to celebrate 25 years of Mardi Gras and the beginning of 25 more.
- Wed 5 Feb 2003 09:02:36

The Mardi Gras Season Launch has been confirmed for this Friday night, the 7th February. Come along and kick off the 2003 Season in style.

Free event happening between 6 & 9.30 pm @ Hyde Park North (Archibold Fountain end).

Food and drink will be open for sale from 6.00 pm with DJs doing their best to get us in the mood.

From 7.30 the Official Launch will begin hosted by Bruce Meagher, featuring entertainment and speeches to set the tone for the 2003 Season to begin.

Entertainment will include:
- The first performance of the 2003 Mardi Gras Anthem Never Miss The Water featuring Gerry DeVaux, Robyn Loau, Shauna Jensen and Michal Nicholas.
- Trevor Ashley, star of the high camp parody Pop Princess
- Up and coming star in the charts, Hayley Aitkens performing to support the 2003 Mardi Gras Season.
More speakers and entertainers will be announced before the night.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Season Launch is an event that brings together all our tribes to celebrate the beginning of our time of year.

Come along to celebrate 25 years of Mardi Gras and the beginning of 25 more.

Check out the website for more information. Visit http://www.mardigras.org.au.
- Wed 5 Feb 2003 09:24:05

The Mardi Gras Season Launch IS on this Friday night. The Launch is NOT at the Opera House. The Launch IS in Hyde Park North.

Food and drink will be available from 6.00 pm and top Sydney DJ Richard Weiss has donated his time to get us in the mood.
- Wed 5 Feb 2003 10:58:01

I for one would not be surprised if the DJ's are 2 or 3 nobodys or even worse are probably the guys or girls who are actually putting on the event. A few bedroom DJ's producing the party to get their 15 minutes of DJ fame.

If DJ selection and music type on the night are important to you and you already have a ticket to this event I would be preparing yourselves for an almighty let down.
- Thu 6 Feb 2003 09:28:53
This is the opinion of the poster.

Maybe we are all just a bunch of sheep and go to whatever party the "in" crowd will be at and don't really use our brains!!!

The "paying public" are idiots!!!
I left high school (attitude) years!!!! ago - Thu 6 Feb 2003 11:02:28

The issue is that Azure will not be releasing a DJ line up. The first time you know who the DJ's are is when you arrive on the night.
- Thu 6 Feb 2003 12:13:42

Rock up on the night and waste your time & money cause they will be no name DJ's.

Thats why they arent releasing the names publically
- Thu 6 Feb 2003 14:37:24
This is the opinion of the poster.

If people are willing (or stupid enough) to buy tickets before the DJ line up is announced in case they "oh my goddddd!!" miss out on tickets, then those people have no-one else to blame but themselves.

We are ADULTS. We are RESPONSIBLE for our OWN decisions. It was YOUR decision to buy tickets before the DJ line up announcement, so stop whininng and stop blaming other people for YOUR decision.
I left high school (attitude) years!!!! ago - Fri 7 Feb 2003 10:55:44

There will be NO DJ line up announcement for Azure.

Either rock up on the night and see how you've all been conned with a dodgy selection of people you probably have never heard of before or better still everyone take a walkman with you with your own favourite music just in case.
mp3 cd dj's rule - Fri 7 Feb 2003 11:42:53
This is the opinion of the poster.

Is this the real line up or someone's wish list or just someone playing silly buggers?
Scruffy - Sat 8 Feb 2003 21:16:25

NMG have deliberately, and sensibly, gone for "lowkey." Let's face it, this year, (providing they sell the party out), they could escape with running a festival based on two drag queens and an elderly tapdancing DJ who also tells jokes does bookreadings, paints Important Queer Art and shows a few home movies..simultaneously. Oh. They are!

I wouldn't worry too much about overseas visitors. They're on holiday and Sydney's fabulous and most of the time they're doing beach/shopping/harbour trips and/or having sex. The party will be "wunnafull" and then they'll head away for a Top End recovery, only to discover that it's raining. Constantly.
That's why MG always looks like such a golden time in retrospect.
likeitis - Mon 10 Feb 2003 11:10:00

We need skaters who are street-confident to join us on the afternoon of the Parade and entertain the waiting crowds. No difficult dance routines (nutbush maybe <grin>), just skate, say hi and have fun.

If you're interested send us an email at gay_skate@yahoo.com.au

PS
Keep an eye on the website http://gayskate.isfabulous.com/ or drop us an email for further info on the Rink. We'll know once and for all on Friday whats going on with the Rink.
DJPeter and Mark - Mon 10 Feb 2003 16:56:05

As michael said in his speech, the launch was the last of the big 4 events that NMG wanted to put on. it had the lowest priority after the parade, party and fair day. That's where NMG has put all their efforts.

and that's why NMG only organised thelaunch a week ago. nothing to do with incompetence. just priorities! which for once MG have!
- Tue 11 Feb 2003 13:47:19

ps. Come to Queerscreen! See the great movies! Chat up the spunky vollies! Buy a raffle ticket!
Evil Twin - Tue 11 Feb 2003 14:11:12

looks like there is life in the new gal yet...

lets support thr parade and party and show people we are still the best gay town in the world to be in..
- Tue 11 Feb 2003 15:06:16

I think that launch was great, yes it's true that three days prior to the event the site had not been secured. NMG simply did not have the money to pay for a site so negotiations had to be undertaken to secure a free site.
I don’t believe it is the case that management, organisational and marketing skills are lacking within the new organisation. There is only so much that part time volunteers can do - pretty much everybody in New Mardi Gras is a volunteer (myself included) - there is only about 6 paid workers compared to the huge paid staff levels that the old Mardi Gras had.

The organization had a very tight schedule to organise the party, parade, fair day and launch.
I amazed at how well its all going - and it is going very well.

The feedback I've received from people is that they really enjoyed the launch and actually liked the site better than the Opera house steps.

I'm not sure what you expect, how have you helped make the NMG a success?
Before you criticize I suggest you ask yourself how you have helped contribute to the success of Mardi Gras.

One thing I can't stand is whiners who sit on their ass and complain!!
Colin Lowe - Tue 11 Feb 2003 15:31:14

But geez i really missed that water and amazing sunset! maybe next year we could have it down in the botanical gardens!

loved the launch!
- Tue 11 Feb 2003 16:19:29

That posting was *NOT* written by me. As usual somebody is carrying on like a twat. But then again imitation is the highest form of flattery.
The Real countdownboy - dont settle for cheap imitations. - Tue 11 Feb 2003 21:05:00

It's not like s/he said anything that would tarnish your .. ah hmm... good name. looks like you're the one behaving like a twat.... once again a.k.a last sleaze.
- Wed 12 Feb 2003 10:47:29

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The Real Countdown Boy - Wed 12 Feb 2003 14:25:09

I know what it's like, sweetheart. Desperation, bits of string and chewing-gum and last-minute hysteria hold most Mardi Gras floats together.

All I'm saying is: may I ask whether the Workshop has its act together?

The answer is apparently, yes. But don't spew on me, just for asking.
Non PC - Wed 12 Feb 2003 17:13:02

So - congratulations, encouragement, and in advance, thanks.
Absolutely non PC - Thu 13 Feb 2003 12:08:03

I mean, tell us you're a Mardi Float taking the piss out of the deep superficiality of party culture. Please....
Dying Laughing - Thu 13 Feb 2003 17:03:21

At the after party the Finlandia Vodka was flowing. I must have had about 10 drinks. I hope they keep them as sponsers as I'm growing fond of all that free vodka!

Well done Queerscreen!!!
GT - Thu 13 Feb 2003 21:07:34

But what's Picasso got to do with MG??
- Fri 14 Feb 2003 08:31:06

Sort of bland wallpapery lift muzak..............
- Sat 15 Feb 2003 09:51:07

Yours in the fight for equality,
Somali Ghosh
Co-Convenor
Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby
- Mon 17 Feb 2003 11:44:39

Looking forward to mardi Gras......wooohooooo
dykey pooh - Mon 17 Feb 2003 14:09:29

See the current issue of SSO (Or SX) for an article on the problems with radio licencing and how it affects OutFM. They are up for an AM licence but fear that having been 'outofmind outof hearing' will lower their chances.
B - Mon 17 Feb 2003 17:20:06

Stephen, I don't know a dam thing about marketing (My degree's in Psychology), all I'm saying is there are a lot of people who are doing the dam best to get the thing up and running and it seems to be working. What I am seeing is an organisation with next to no money put on an event that in the past cost a HUGE amount and in a very much compressed time frame. I read today that in the past wages were over 1mil, this time 70K.
I say to you once again, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HELP NEW MARDI GRAS SUCEED!? Oh I know you've complained on Pink Board.
If you have the Marketing skills that you say NMG is lacking get you ass down to the Erskineville Offices and share some of your brilliance. :-)
Colin Lowe - Tue 18 Feb 2003 17:25:13

Two parties recently held in the Centennial Park Trust Pavilions - the Gay Games "Black" and Pride's NYE Party - caused problems. The first had no designated sex spaces so guys just did it anyway - as they do - and pretty much anywhere. Pride had a Scenic Maze which the Licensing Police closed down after what seems to have been "crossed wires" and some residual flak about the Black experience.

The site Event Manager, Playbill, is obviously less than enthusiastic about the potential for further problems. I understand that NMG is trying to come up with an innovative approach that meets everyone's expectations....
- Wed 19 Feb 2003 09:27:24

Overall pretty damn fine. However I have to say how did the film "Invitation" even make it through the first cull!!! It was woeful and I understand that it was an attempt at farce (wasn't it???) but farce is an art form of precision and wit. It was so bad ...cringe beyond beleif.... well not quite because there was a contingent of screaming friends and cast members and at the end it won a prize.

But before I get in trouble for being negative all of the other films were great particularly techniquely - some of the art direction and photography was superb...(the visitor/Contact/Pornstar) and editiing (fugue, Boys ) and others clever and subtle(Lilian & I / Pornstar/ Homos) and funny (Glory/Homos).
- Wed 19 Feb 2003 10:22:50

Mardi Gras Festival Harbour Party To Raise $40,000 For AIDS Trust OF Australia.

On February 23, 2003 Sydney’s usually peaceful expanse of green, the Royal Botanic Gardens, will transform into Azure 2003: Sydney’s Harbourside Party (formerly the Harbour Party), the Mardi Gras Festival’s most glamorous event. At 4pm, the gates will open to the 5000 ticket holders and this year over $40,000 from ticket sales goes to the AIDS Trust of Australia.

“The AIDS Trust relies entirely on donations for it to carry out its vital role in society. Azure allows people to have a wonderfully unique and fun time in the knowledge that others will benefit.” says AIDS Trust Governor and CEO, Terry Trethowan.

Famous DJ talents Nervous (of Plastic and Transition fame) Paul Goodyear and Mandy Rollins will present sets of their own unique and celebratory sounds - this year Paul Goodyear features, among other exclusive tracks, a remix of Whitney Houston’s “On My Own” - to be played for the first time at Azure 2003. Richard Weiss and Jake Kilby will also be playing.

The sumptuous waterfront outdoor venue will feature Bar Azure, a lounge bar graciously hosted by the Parisienne Doyen of Glamour herself, Mademoiselle Claire de Lune, star of Channel V’s Room 208

Pop duo Shakaya will perform their Top Ten hits “Cinderella” and “Stop Calling Me” on the Fleet Steps.

Following Azure 2003, the official afterparty Strangelove will follow at Gas Nightclub. Produced by N V Events, DJ talents Mark Dynamix and Kelly Lynch will carry punters through the night in a surreal environment dripping with the elegance and glamour of the French artist salons.

The Harbour Party has grown to become one of the most anticipated features on the international gay calendar let alone the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival. Organisers, Iris Group Productions have worked tirelessly to ensure that Azure 2003: Sydney’s Harbourside Party is set to take this year’s production to new heights.
Panther - Thu 20 Feb 2003 08:08:04

Main space

Nervous
Mandy Rollins
Paul Goodyear

Chill space

Richard Weiss
Jake Kilby
- Thu 20 Feb 2003 11:29:32

When NMG can afford to pay for the time and expertise necessary for a better-than-good job to be done by quality people with the requisite training and experience, that is when the quality people will return. No money for quality people? I don't think a Psychologist can afford to give up weeks and not get paid for any of their expertise. I know I can't. At the moment, though, kudos for keeping it going, albeit it in an operationally (as evidenced by the 'Launch') poorer sense.
Another professional in the community - Thu 20 Feb 2003 15:50:17

I wish i had put up my hand to help this year - it would have given me more satisfaction seeing mardi gras succeed than spending time in long boozy lunches working on a brand that means little to people, but has the money to make it so in your face.
another marketer - Thu 20 Feb 2003 18:36:37

and if you put the backroom there it would be far too light... (white tent, overhead safety lighting...)

guess you'll have to be more imaginative (if you could get the cable ties off the light fittings in the toilets, you could take out the fluoro tubes and make the whole space more 'inviting'...)
- Thu 20 Feb 2003 20:31:54

Why do people keep on expecting other people to supply safe sex packs? Are we not adults who can reason that if there is even a small chance of having sex at Mardi Gras then we should bring safe sex packs in order to stay healthy?

What the hell do stupid people do when the opportunity for sex arises in daily life where safe sex packs aren't supplied? I suppose we should lobby the government to make sure that plenty of safe sex packs are available on every street corner because I'm completely incompetent of looking after myself.

And if your answer is that dance parties have a culture in which alcohol and drugs impair people's judgements, then isn't this all the more reason NOT to have an designated sex spaces?

When will people realise that celebrating our sexuality is not the same thing as having sex at every opportunity?
- Fri 21 Feb 2003 08:33:31

Know quite a few coming and I think the fridae website is promoting Sydney very well in the Asian region.

Also seems to be quite a few guys trying to make Sydney contacts on gaydar.

If tomclub and cockwise are typical of the guys visiting, then I can't wait.
- Fri 21 Feb 2003 10:13:03

Does anyone know if there is any performances this mardi gras
- Fri 21 Feb 2003 10:45:25

Can someone from Azure please clarify this?
- Fri 21 Feb 2003 19:15:07

The weather forecast for sunday was quite clear & correct on thursday when the press release came out so I'd doubt that they would postpone unless there were safety concerns or severe equipment failure.

Will check sources & get back to you just in case!
Iceboy - Sun 23 Feb 2003 12:59:36

"No Way (is it postponed)....It's on."

So just evil gossip or guesswork or chinese whispers about postponement.

Get your raincoats ready!
I guess there will be substantial cover over the dance floor to protect the equipment and stop dance floor turning into a skating rink so don't panic too much about it. ( haven't asked anyone about this though, just presuming)
Iceboy - Sun 23 Feb 2003 13:19:16

just been down to look at azure site, there is NO roof on dancefloor, no cover at all, so if the forecast is right and "rain periods easing in the afternoon but increasing again tonight" dress to get wet.

im in two minds, risk a cold for the big event next week, or dancing in the rain tonight....
- Sun 23 Feb 2003 15:15:20

Your congratulations to New Mardi Gras over the 2003 Mardi Gras CD are extremely misdirected.

All the hard background work on compiling this Cd and the track selection was done by staff (and friends of staff) of Central Station Records. I was one of the "friends of staff" who supplied master copies of many of those tracks on CD#1. New Mardi Gras had nothing to do with the Cd except for the supplying of the artwork and agreeing to the selected tracks.

Please direct your congratulations to the nameless people who helped with this cd who rather thoughtlessly didnt get a credit for their efforts on the artwork of the cd - but that was central stations fault and not New Mardi Gras.

And yes , it is a rather fabbbbbulous collection of mainstream anthems !

In the words of our missing friend countdown boy There is now only 6 days to go !!! 6 days to go !!!
6 days to go !!!
6 days to go !!!
6 days to go !!!
6 days to go !!!
6 days to go !!!
6 days to go !!!
6 days to go !!!
Come back countdown boy !!" - Sun 23 Feb 2003 16:21:39
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

My thoughts go out to all the silly people at Azure and I just let go a little giggle to myself.

Mmmmm - my dooner awaits, good night. zzzzzzzzzzz
Andrews Big Sister - Sun 23 Feb 2003 22:43:15

she is getting paid
- Mon 24 Feb 2003 13:53:44

Who are all these "nameless" heros that put it together ? They need to be acknowledged.
pete - Mon 24 Feb 2003 16:33:32

I think that you should stop using insulting language like "breeders". I'm sure you wouldn't like it if people referred to you as a faggot when asking if there'll be any faggots in my school, or workplace or party etc.

oh and by the way, many of us don't have a problem with "breeders", in fact many of my closest and dearest "breeders", just as well as I might never have been born into this world as me.
Be nice - Tue 25 Feb 2003 10:16:02

who's jake kilby by the way?
- Tue 25 Feb 2003 10:29:18

Am looking foward to the parade where I am doing audio and Lx for Melbourne Marching Boys. Then off to the party, MEN, and queernation.

Bit of a sleep and then i am being deported back to Aoteroa :(

See ya on the dancefloor
BND - Tue 25 Feb 2003 11:21:29

It also raised funds for important community organisations. Good times and good causes are not mutually exclusive. I havent heard any excuses about MG Party and my impression from being at the workshop is that more effort than ever is being put into it as NMG is well aware of its importance for its future. Looks like it will be a lot more glam than in past years. This is probably partly why tickets are selling so well as word gets around. Money has indeed been saved but I very much doubt the fact that DJs are working for free, for example, will stop them putting their heart and soul into what they do on the night.
Kathy Sant - Tue 25 Feb 2003 11:24:07

I'm trying to deal with the death of Taylor Forrester in the Bold and the Beautiful.

I will never forgive Sheila for killing her.
- Tue 25 Feb 2003 11:38:34

I am gay and going but do so will a level of wonder what it will be like.
- Tue 25 Feb 2003 13:05:16

Regarding NMG - the DJ's shouldn't be working for free, they are creative professionals that should be paid just like anybody else. If the "community" faction that dominates has dominated Mardi Gras in recent years had any commercial business sense there would be money in the bank to pay these people.
What is being done to set up a trust that New Mardi Gras can draw from so they are not in this position in future. No business runs for 25 years without bad years so why should Mardi Gras think it can be any different. Yes continue to support the community yet put the proceeds in a trust that can provide an income that can be donated to "community" charities and pay the people that work at the organisation/party/parade what they are worth. Surely this is just common sense?
Stephen Kidman
Stephen Kidman - Tue 25 Feb 2003 14:42:27

Thanks for the lasers and the lighting and of course the sound. Everything was exquisite.

I've always loved Harbour and am now a loyal Azure Fan.

Seriously can the organisers please extend the party till about 3am next year?
AF - Tue 25 Feb 2003 19:31:36

PS...more fair ticketing system next year please!!!
- Tue 25 Feb 2003 22:17:58

My thoughts go out to all the silly people at Azure and I just let go a little giggle to myself.

Mmmmm - my dooner awaits, good night. zzzzzzzzzzz
Andrews Big Sister - Sun 23 Feb 2003 22:43:15 "

is andrews big sister attempting to be funny by poo-poohing all those people who were moaning about azure before the event or what? clearly, it was NOT raining cats and dogs in Surry Hills on Sunday night, seeing that it turned into a beautiful evening down at Mrs Mac's chair! Too many people on this message board seem to actively WANT parties they are not going to to be a disaster. Get over it!

Along with anyone else, I thought Azure was stunning; one of the best Harbour Parties ever. The night was perfect, the music was varied and great, the crowd happy and beautiful. Everyone I bumped into at the party and then at the gym last night was raving about it. People who post messages here seem to be the type of people to moan and whinge, and are not really reflective of the population at large.

I agree that Gas was boring. Got to Arq about 2am and it was packed to the rafters with absolutely gorgeous boys! Excellent fun.

PS: Shakaya are Australian
- Wed 26 Feb 2003 09:07:10

I love Mardi Gras ... I have always loved Mardi Gras ... here's why ..

For me it's not about the politics or the money or the bitchfest that some people love to make it, although I do sincerely appreciate the effort and sacrifice that everybody associated with the event puts into it.

For me it's about being with all my good friends, dancing for 3 days bent, and hearing norty hook up stories, spending 4 weeks shopping for something to wear and buying something 10 minutes before Mephisto closes that I first saw 4 weeks ago, having coffee on Oxford St with a set of score cards, making fun of the street cleaners staring at the lesbians walking back from the party 10:00 Sunday morning, booking a hotel room for the whole weekend at $200 a night and using it once to do my hair when I should have just rented a U-STOW-IT, losing my friends at 4:30 in the morning in the Horden and finding them at 5:20 in the Dome, it's like a mini family renunion, getting Monday off work swearing to God that this year I will make it in on Tuesday, getting REALLY excited because rumour has it that Kylie's doing a duet with Madonna for the final show, laughing at all the 'OVER-IT''s I come across and watching the faces of the 18 year old Mardi Gras virgins seeing the RHI for the first time, bless their little, throbing, hearts.

I wish everybody a happy and ballistic Mardi Gras.

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Dancing Boy - Wed 26 Feb 2003 10:05:07

Bring It on Baby I can't wait!

Have a fun time everyone
Mitch - Wed 26 Feb 2003 11:14:06

Take todays SMH for example- an article about dykes on bikes? Does this style of corney old fashioned, patronising, hetrosexual curiosity article really create a contemporary image for Mardi Gras?Stimulate interest - its a bit tired, surely they can do better than this.The younger end of the "community" certainly does not relate to this. Boring ,Boring ,Boring!!!!!
Stephen Kidman - Wed 26 Feb 2003 11:53:57

Yes it is - over 650+ tickets sold on Monday.

Great news, its going to be a sell out and a BLAST!
Those in the know! - Wed 26 Feb 2003 14:50:26

I can CONFIRM that it *WAS* raining very hard at about 10.30pm on Sunday night. I arrived home from a family outing at about that same time (I live in Redfern) and it was bucketing down. Just remember it doesnt rain the same spots at the same time.
The weather man - Wed 26 Feb 2003 16:18:19

are you sure about those figures- as a rumour about seling out was put out about pride and nothing happened
- Wed 26 Feb 2003 17:03:37

Cheers - see you in the Dome, or the Hordern, or the RHI maybe city live then !!!! wooooooooooooohhooooooooooo
Frostydog - Wed 26 Feb 2003 17:17:09

Azure rocked (haven't seen such a relaxed, happy, no-attitude crowd for many a year), Arq went OFF!

All the best NMG, and Dancing Boy - you are SOOO right, but remember, 25 years ago we were illegal, we've come a long way, but there's still a long, long way to go! Celebrate, remember, hope.
Lucy Jordan - Wed 26 Feb 2003 17:35:46

RHI

* Luke Leal
* DJ Josh (Adelaide)
* Paul Goodyear
* Alex Taylor

Hordern

* Tony Svehla (Melbourne)
* Mandy Rollins
* Doug James
* Buck Naked
* DJ Chip & Mike Kelly (Back-to-back)

The G-Spot (City Live)

* Mr. Flynn
* Neroli (Brisbane)
* DJ Shigeki

Grand Pagoda (Up-and-comings)

* Dr. Jane
* DJ Kenny
* Henri
* Karl Moser
* Sista P
* DJ Tas

No news of Dome yet.
- Wed 26 Feb 2003 21:26:59

As a young gay(22)identifying male, i firmly beleive New Mardi Gras has to look to the future, and has made real efforts to do so. the old model failed. a new political/party/ movement is needed to carry the torch forward.

While it is maybe not important in the broad scheme of things, I think it would be a poor symbol of a vibrant new future, if NMG party was to be headlined by the Village People, an act so old that my mum and dad like them.

I will be there supporting the brave DJ decisions, but not looking for stereoypes destructive of a new inclusive 3rd millenium community.

Symbols are important
looking forward - Wed 26 Feb 2003 21:31:53

MEDIA RELEASE - 25 FEBRUARY 2003

Extra Party Tickets Released
New Mardi Gras today announced the release of an extra 2,000 tickets to the 2003 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Party on Saturday March 1.

"Ticket sales have been well above what we expected so we are now happy to announce the release of an additional 2,000, tickets and expanding the size of the party," said New Mardi Gras Party Co-Chair Jock McKeon.

"We expect to sell about 17,000 tickets and with this level of demand for party tickets we are now able to confirm that the Dome will be included as a chill-out space with lounges and laid back music.

"The Dome will also be a great venue for the Costume Pageant which will be hosted this year by Lance Leopard and Victoria Bitter.

"You can register for the Costume Pageant from 10pm with the show getting underway at the stroke of midnight when we hope to find a Cinderella and not too many pumpkins.

"Party tickets are on sale to non-Mardi Gras members and can be purchased through Ticketek online, over the phone or any Ticketek outlet including the cnr of Elizabeth and Park Sts and Fish Records in Newtown.

"A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on the night but we would urge people to purchase their tickets beforehand so they are not disappointed.

"New Mardi Gras is now busy at Fox Studios bumping in the for the party - lighting, sets and shows that will make for a exciting night to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras," Mr McKeon said.
- Wed 26 Feb 2003 22:57:39

But for those who are speculating, the VP are performming at 9pm in Melbourne, so whilst a midnight flight to Sydney aint impossible, dont expect to see them in the MG parade.

If VP were really going to be at the party it would be in NMG interests to promote the fact. Me, a sometimes I go to a dance party, this time I wont be (I dont think) type, would be persauded to go if I knew a group/performer/DJ I like where going to be there.
rawboi - Thu 27 Feb 2003 01:19:24

Funny isn't it that it's OK for Stephen Kidman to slag off NMG but as soon as someone criticises him, it's suddenly "censorship" and a "fascist approach". Stop being so precious Kidman.
- Thu 27 Feb 2003 13:35:30

1am: John Farnham medley with Drag Queen Sadie cleaning ladies, boys in 80s hot pants with flicked fringes and mullet haircuts.

3am: Farlie Arrow

5am: Ian Thorpie and Katie Underwood singing the love aria from Madame Butterfly

Final Show: Nicole Kidaman and Ewan McGreggor - "come what may"
- Thu 27 Feb 2003 16:22:22

How were the sales during the membership realease compared to the general release from Feb 1?
Interested - Thu 27 Feb 2003 16:28:41

On another note, have heard the usual promoters of Queens Birthday Party no longer putting on the party. Would NMG like to take it over ? nothing wrong with some extra $'s ........last years party still seemed to have good numbers ?
Gimme Rachel Auburn anytime - Thu 27 Feb 2003 18:31:31